The God Delusion-Richard Dawkins

[Maniacc]

You can be an Atheist and still acknowledge the possibility of God existing, like myself.

By definition, you're agnostic.

[alpine_aw11]

By definition, you're agnostic.

Technically, no. The true definition of Agnosticism is that there is equal evidence existing that God exists, and that God doesn't exist. I personally cannot completely deny God's existance, but I'm about 80% sure there isn't an intelligent being watching me shower every morning, which excludes osnap of course. I really don't understand the concept of Atheists that can acknowledge the possibility of God, but according to Dawkins and other atheist writers Atheism does not necessarily exclude it.

[Maniacc]

Technically, no. The true definition of Agnosticism is that there is equal evidence existing that God exists, and that God doesn't exist.

I know this.

But this is what you said.

You can be an Atheist and still acknowledge the possibility of God existing, like myself.

Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.

The doctrine that there is no God or gods.

So, what are you? If you were a real atheist you wouldn't have a God figure in the back of your mind. You would instead put that aside and completely ignore the fact that there might be a God out there.

[alpine_aw11]

I know this.

But this is what you said.


Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.

The doctrine that there is no God or gods.

So, what are you? If you were a real atheist you wouldn't have a God figure in the back of your mind. You would instead put that aside and completely ignore the fact that there might be a God out there.

I acknowledge the possibility of it, but I don't believe it to be true at all really. The notion of a God has no effect on my life whatsoever. I just don't rule it out completely because personally I think it's ignorant to do that. It doesn't mean I'm not atheist, because I'm definitely not agnostic.

[man]

I acknowledge the possibility of it, but I don't believe it to be true at all really. The notion of a God has no effect on my life whatsoever. I just don't rule it out completely because personally I think it's ignorant to do that. It doesn't mean I'm not atheist, because I'm definitely not agnostic.

I think you may be confused because I am definitely confused by what you're saying, no offense

[alpine_aw11]

I think you may be confused because I am definitely confused by what you're saying, no offense

Shit I know what you mean I was confused about it for a while. This info is straight from the book, and I've found it in other resources as well.

Agnosticism-belief that it is equally likely that God exists or doesn't exist. Agnostics do not attempt to prove the existence of God, because they believe it can never be proven. My problem with agnosticism is that it ignores the factor of probability, so they essentially do not pay any attention to any evidence that God does not exist(or that God does in fact exist).

Atheism-Dawkins outlines different types. No atheist is absolutely certain God exists. This part I don't get personally, but it isn't just Dawkins that says this, the entire atheist community apparently regards belief in God's existence as part of "weak atheism." Even weak atheists, however, believe God's existence to be highly improbable. That's where I fall.

I am NOT agnostic. I definitely do not believe God exists, but I can't rule it out totally. If I was agnostic, I pretty much wouldn't have an opinion on whether or not God is real because they essentially don't care.

Maniak- I'm not lost. I understand how it would seem that way, maybe this cleared it up.

[man]

Shit I know what you mean I was confused about it for a while. This info is straight from the book, and I've found it in other resources as well.

Agnosticism-belief that it is equally likely that God exists or doesn't exist. Agnostics do not attempt to prove the existence of God, because they believe it can never be proven. My problem with agnosticism is that it ignores the factor of probability, so they essentially do not pay any attention to any evidence that God does not exist(or that God does in fact exist).

Atheism-Dawkins outlines 7 levels. Level 1-Atheist that is absolutely certain God exists. I don't get it personally, but it isn't just Dawkins that says this, the entire atheist community apparently regards belief in God's existence as part of "weak atheism." Even weak atheists, however, believe God's existence to be highly improbable. That's where I fall.

I am NOT agnostic. I definitely do not believe God exists, but I can't rule it out totally. If I was agnostic, I pretty much wouldn't have an opinion on whether or not God is real.

Alright so here's my understanding of what you're saying, in much simpler terms: "I definitely do not believe God exists, but I can't rule it out totally."
Is kind of like saying "I know for a fact that 2+2=4, but it could be 5..."

Just seems like you aren't as confident in your beliefs as you think you are. I can see how you wouldn't put yourself into the agnostic category but, it doesn't sound like you are a full blown atheist either.

[metalman]

Even weak atheists, however, believe God's existence to be highly improbable. That's where I fall.

Thats certainly what people of that confirmed philosophy are definitely hoping. The whole accountability/judgment thing would be a bitch.
They would prefer just to 'skip' it....IF possible.
Thats exactly what drives that method of thinking....If somehow God doesn't exist, then we are free to do as we see fit within our own mind without any eternal accountability.

I definitely do not believe God exists, but I can't rule it out totally.

The real problem with that philosophy, in addition to ignoring any physical or spiritual evidence, is that just acknowledging there could be a God, or might be, or accepting it once 'proven' in ones mind...won't be enough to save one from 'judgment'...IF there is a God...because to the naysayer sufficient 'proof' will come 'too late'...likely not at all, nothing will ever be convincing enough...as its the strong desire of such philosophy to disbelieve to begin with...in order to escape the consequences. A belief in a God would then require action...and thats where the problem is. Man would rather do his own will then the will of any God.

[Maniacc]

I acknowledge the possibility of it, but I don't believe it to be true at all really. The notion of a God has no effect on my life whatsoever. I just don't rule it out completely because personally I think it's ignorant to do that. It doesn't mean I'm not atheist, because I'm definitely not agnostic.

So why even put yourself in a category?

If you're not fully aware of what your stand on this is then why make a conclusion without first knowing? I think that I'm in between but tend to lean more towards atheism at times. You're obviously lost.

no offense, but how can one believe in Satan but not in God? They're both part of the Christian religion, correct...?

I think you read too much into it.

[BKgen®]

I think you read too much into it.

just clarifying.